Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor is neuroprotective in epileptic rat via apoptosis-inducing factor and Akt signaling.

3-Aminobenzamide (3-AB), an inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), has been proved to have neuroprotective properties. In this study, we examined the role of 3-AB in rat hippocampal neuron death induced by seizures. Our data showed that the seizures resulted in PARP activation and translocation of the apoptosis-inducing factor from the mitochondria to the nucleus, leading to neuron death. These effects could, however, all be abolished by 3-AB. Moreover, we showed that 3-AB facilitated Akt activation and decreased the activity of its downstream target, glycogen synthase kinase-3beta. Altogether, our data suggested that 3-AB might have a therapeutic value in seizure-induced hippocampal neuron damage, probably due to the inhibition of apoptosis and activation of Akt cell survival signaling.